The Statue of Hachi (HACHI-KO), Tokyo

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the iconic Hachiko Dog and Statue in Shibuya. Well everyone knows about the story of this famous japanese akita dog that even the Famous Actor Richard Gere is Making an American Version of the Story of Hachiko slated for release at the USA in 2010! but for a review, Hachiko is a famous statue of a dog who possessed legendary loyalty to his owner. Hachiko belonged to Professor Ueno Saburo’s, who loved Hachi a lot. Hachi always went to see the master off and wait for his return at the Shibuya station everyday even in terrible weather. After the Professor's death in 1925 Hachi continued to wait at the station for his master's return.

Hachikô was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikô apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikô waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station. The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikô attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikô and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikô treats and food to nourish him during his wait. This continued for 10 years, with Hachikô appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station. In April 1934, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station and Hachikô himself was present at its unveiling.Hachikô died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya.

It is also the name of one of the many exits from Shibuya Station and the prime meeting place before a night out. Just hanging out near Hachiko for a while will give you some great people-watching opportunities especially kawaii japanese girls hehehe :-)

Hachikô was a dog with a heartwarming story. During his owner's life in the 1920s, Hachiko would greet him at the nearby Shibuya Station everyday after work. The owner eventually died but Hachiko returned every day to the station to wait for him, and did this for many years. In April, 1934, a bronze statue of the dog was erected at the Shibuya Station, commemorating the dog and his loyalty to his master. The dog was even present at that time but during WW2, the statue was recycled. After the war, a new statue was erected in August, 1948. This is nowthe statue that we see at the Shibuya station and is a famous meeting spot.

When you first exit shibuya station thru the Hachiko Exit you will find the HACHIKO STATUE...Today, the bronzed statue of Hachiko is probably one of the most famous meeting places in Tokyo. But there is a sad or happy story which ever way you wish to take it ....

...Hachiko was a dog who waited every day at the station for his master to get home. Even after the dog's master passed away, Hachiko continued to wait at the station..for over 10 years...

..The Full story here (click)

The Akita breed is a descendant of an ancient breed from about 660BC. Today they are used by police as a guard dog and since 1931, the Japanese government has bestowed honour on the Akita breed of dog by declaring them a national treasure